House OKs Pure Michigan money, but hurdles remain

The Michigan House has passed legislation that would add a $2.50 daily charge on vehicles rented at airports to help pay for a tourism advertising campaign.

The main bill in the Pure Michigan package passed the Democrat-led House by a 56-52 vote Thursday, mostly along party lines. The package would let the state loan up to $20 million to the campaign and repay it with revenue from the rental fees.

The bills now go to the Republican-led Senate, which hasn't supported the rental car fees. The House also tied the Pure Michigan funding to legislation calling for background checks for company owners getting tax breaks. Both measures would have to pass for either to become law.

State officials say they need more money quickly to afford a summer advertising campaign.